Stringway

Does anybody have any feedback about their automatic drop weight stringers?
Is there a difference of a ML100(with the stand)vsML120 and both having the T92 single action clamps?
The company looks very interesting.

I used to own the equivalent of the ML100, one of my favorite machines. Pulls very true, clamps are pretty good, but they have issues with drawback. Mounting system is designed well, but isn't very fast. Tensioner and system is a dream.

I have a bad shoulder, so pumping the weight ended up getting to me. user 'brownbearfalling' now has the machine.

I believe the Concord system is only available for the stand model (due to the thicker beam the table is mounted on). It tilts the racquet so that pulling mains over the throat can be done in a straight line (under the throat, in this case).

I used to own the equivalent of the ML100, one of my favorite machines. Pulls very true, clamps are pretty good, but they have issues with drawback. Mounting system is designed well, but isn't very fast. Tensioner and system is a dream.

I have a bad shoulder, so pumping the weight ended up getting to me. user 'brownbearfalling' now has the machine.

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Thanks DDesire for the feedback. I checked the products a few days ago and like the way they have their whole system set up(clamps,mounting,and automatic drop weight system.

I believe the Concord system is only available for the stand model (due to the thicker beam the table is mounted on). It tilts the racquet so that pulling mains over the throat can be done in a straight line (under the throat, in this case).

Thanks DDesire for the feedback. I checked the products a few days ago and like the way they have their whole system set up(clamps,mounting,and automatic drop weight system.

What issues do you mean about the drawback on the ML100?

Thanks.

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Like I said, run a search in the meanwhile to read up on common issues/features/great things about the Laserfibre/Stringway machines. As far as the clamps go, the bases are excellent, but the mating clearance of the clamp to the clamp shaft is pretty loose. i believe the clamps are cast instead of machined, so they've got some horizontal wobble. You can 'pre load' the clamps to minimize drawback, but it's a systematic deficiency, even though on an absolute scale (quality wise, at the very least), I'd rate the stringway clamps as 'excellent.' Perfect amount of texture to remain gentle on the strings, but to minimize clamping force necessary. They don't pick up a ton of string gunk, either, like the Gamma clamps I use do.

I have the ML120 (table top) with the single action clamps. It also has the Concorde system, which is nice, but not a necessity.

I am very happy with it. My biggest beef would be with the design of the mounting system. With the way it is designed, sometimes it is difficult to clamp the top/bottom cross string. (ie. a Wilson Blade Lite cannot clamp top cross) I do lots of badminton, and run into this problem often. There are workarounds though that do not really affect the final resulting string job (ie. double pulling the top/bottom two crosses).

It's a great machine with great customer service from Alpha in the US.

Go for the single action clamps. As dire mentioned, there can be some drawback with the clamps, more so if you have the Concorde system engaged. With the platform 'flat' I have not had any issues with that.

Pulls very true, never needs to be calibrated, and no A/C power required. I used an Ektelon Model H in the past, and like this machine better, although a tad slower to string. Unless you are doing large volume of racquets, it is a great machine.

I have the ML120 (table top) with the single action clamps. It also has the Concorde system, which is nice, but not a necessity.

I am very happy with it. My biggest beef would be with the design of the mounting system. With the way it is designed, sometimes it is difficult to clamp the top/bottom cross string. (ie. a Wilson Blade Lite cannot clamp top cross) I do lots of badminton, and run into this problem often. There are workarounds though that do not really affect the final resulting string job (ie. double pulling the top/bottom two crosses).

It's a great machine with great customer service from Alpha in the US.

Go for the single action clamps. As dire mentioned, there can be some drawback with the clamps, more so if you have the Concorde system engaged. With the platform 'flat' I have not had any issues with that.

Pulls very true, never needs to be calibrated, and no A/C power required. I used an Ektelon Model H in the past, and like this machine better, although a tad slower to string. Unless you are doing large volume of racquets, it is a great machine.

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Ooh, good point on the mounting system. I think this is a design issue with many 2 point machines, my 5800 ELS has the same issue for many frames, including a few that aren't even extremely close to the tip of the frame. I might just need to invest in some lower profile clamps, though.

I have the ML100 but with the flying clamps. Like Diredesire said, it's about as accurate as they come and the tension head is perfect...no worries on having the bar being parallel to the ground. Just drop the weight and it's golden.
The only thing I don't love about it is spacers from the mounting posts. They are too thick for thin beamed tennis racquets like Donnay. I had to get an extra set for the hoop and had to saw them down quite a but in order to not crush the grommet.
Every client says that the stringjob is by far the best and most accurate they've had.

Like I said, run a search in the meanwhile to read up on common issues/features/great things about the Laserfibre/Stringway machines. As far as the clamps go, the bases are excellent, but the mating clearance of the clamp to the clamp shaft is pretty loose. i believe the clamps are cast instead of machined, so they've got some horizontal wobble. You can 'pre load' the clamps to minimize drawback, but it's a systematic deficiency, even though on an absolute scale (quality wise, at the very least), I'd rate the stringway clamps as 'excellent.' Perfect amount of texture to remain gentle on the strings, but to minimize clamping force necessary. They don't pick up a ton of string gunk, either, like the Gamma clamps I use do.

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Are you talking about the double action clamps or the single action clamps?

I have the single action clamps, and they work great. You will get a little bit of drawback, but if you pre-load the clamp opposite the direction of pull there is usually no drawback. Even with a little bit of drawback here and there, I honestly cannot tell the difference after the racquet is strung up.

Well-built too, and yes, the straight pull drop weight is a breeze and pulls beautifully.

I have the ML100 w/dual action T98 clamps, purchased about 3+ years ago prior to the Concorde System. Enjoy the machine as much as the first day I assembled it. Sure there are some negatives, but most machines not w/o their own issues.

Only mistake that I made was purchasing the stand. Used it for awhile, but never felt comfortable with it (stability issue) and the max height just wasn't what I liked. Had purchased a HUSKY rolling cabinet on sale at a big box store to hold my string and supplies one day looked over at it realized it was a nicer height moved my Stringway over and now my original stand is boxed up and stored away.

Went with the T98 due to a recommendation, and they are like second nature, can't imagine the single action clamps saving that much time.

Really believe that it's unfair to categorize this as a Drop-Weight....it is but so unique and simple it's really a category in and of itself.

if you can explain otherwise, I'll listen. I'd rather string on an upright anyday (much more convenient). also, DW in general doesn't promote convenience. never has,

not saying it's a poor machine, but to hype it over other seems misguided. sure, it's differenent and it IS cp. but that doesn't really matter to me.

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I HAVE used a variety of machines (Ektelon H, Star 5) in a shop setting, at tournaments and in my home. I wouldn't feel that I should comment on a stringing machine if I hadn't used it for at least a couple racquets. That's just me I guess.
I currently own 3 different stringing machine. Always use the Stringway (a ML 100 on a custom stand)
Thanks for reminding me. Gotta sell those other two

what you say is true. however, it does appear that my opinion is valid, especially since someone else mentioned the mounting system as well.

also, i understand the value of a DW, but it's outweighed (for me) by the convenience of other tensioning systems.

ymmv. i made it clear that i have not used this particular machine so it's not as if i'm mis-representing myself, just stating what appears obvious, I'm sure the machine will string a racket as well as any....pending the user.

tbuggle I have never used a Stringway either but it appears to me you are leaving out an important point. The Stringway is an automatic drop weight and you are speaking of it as through all drop weights (including automatics) are hard to use.

tbuggle I have never used a Stringway either but it appears to me you are leaving out an important point. The Stringway is an automatic drop weight and you are speaking of it as through all drop weights (including automatics) are hard to use.

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I never said it was hard to use, and to be honest if they would incorporate that DW mechanism into a Gamma style upright (I like the mounting, etc) machine I might be all over it. True, I have only used a traditional DW, they aren't hard to use either.

It seems that while having a "good" thing with the auto DW/CP, they have left lots to be desired in mounting and clamping. Stopped halfway, IMO (and others have mentioned this as well.....the mounting and clamping).

if you can explain otherwise, I'll listen. I'd rather string on an upright anyday (much more convenient). also, DW in general doesn't promote convenience. never has,

not saying it's a poor machine, but to hype it over other seems misguided. sure, it's differenent and it IS cp. but that doesn't really matter to me.

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We're talking about shortcomings in a thread specifically dedicated to the machine; it's fair to say that these are probably not deal killers if we haven't yet moved on to another machine. I would still have my MS200TT today if I didn't have a bum shoulder. The machine is absolutely stellar for the price point, and can easily compete with higher end machines.

As far as convenience, I'd say it's not as effortless to tension, obviously, but how true the tensioner is IMO IS worth the trouble. I'd say it's competitive with a crank, as it's not exactly difficult to lift the weight. With the automatic jaws, the weight rests in the 'ready' position, and the jaw will 'sense' a string inserted and drop when that occurs. It's a cinch, and it's one of the most beautiful tensioning systems I've used. The stand up model (non DW) is designed for speed -- just try it.

Clamps are actually extremely well designed - they could be easier to move around and they could have less drawback, but they are VERY good. I'd say the clamp quality (minus drawback) blows my Gamma clamps away. I haven't used the thin profile (newer?) Gamma clamps yet, so I can't comment on those. The clamp bases (DA) on the SW/LF machines are awesome, very positive and very hard to make a mistake on. They have the capability of catching string, though.

Mounting is very well DESIGNED, but slower than average. This is the biggest gripe I have with the machine, probably. They could have implemented it better. This isn't to say it's not usable OR unsafe -- it's designed very well, and I believe it is robust. Having to screw a hold down though is pretty crappy for this tier of machine. If your argument is "convenience" -- this is probably the one area I'd concede. I won't say an independent arm adjustment is much better, though (Think lower end Gamma 6 points). They're more versatile, though, that's for sure.

Hyperion: I have the Concorde system on mine. It is a nice feature, as it allows you to pull the mains 'under' the frame and not have to bend the string as you tension it. It also allows you to spin the racquet 360. Otherwise the handle will hit the tension head.

It's a nice to have, but not a need to have. I would for sure upgrade to the single action clamps before getting the concorde upgrade. But....if you can afford both, go for it.

Hyperion: I have the Concorde system on mine. It is a nice feature, as it allows you to pull the mains 'under' the frame and not have to bend the string as you tension it. It also allows you to spin the racquet 360. Otherwise the handle will hit the tension head.

It's a nice to have, but not a need to have. I would for sure upgrade to the single action clamps before getting the concorde upgrade. But....if you can afford both, go for it.

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Ok thanks for the info about the concorde system.
I also agree with you that the single action clamps are better than the dual action clamps.
They just seem easier to use.

Had a racquet to string so I thought that I'd time how long it takes me to mount & dismount a racquet. Without really pushing, I was able to mount the racquet in just under 2 min. & dismount at 1.5 min.

Although the process does appear to involve a lot of clamping, with some experiance it hasn't really been a major time restraint for the # of racquets I string a year. Would be a different story if you had to resort to wrenches, but the threaded fastners are nicely positioned and relatively fast to tighten and removal is much faster.

Overall I'm not trying to rush, and usually allot myself 45 min to 1 hour per racquet. Have strung some in under 30 min., but I'm doing this for relaxation.

I find the mounting system to be adequate. It holds the racquet nicely, and really isn't that big of a pain as people are making it sound.

My only beef with it would be the 4 arms that hold the racquet in place visually block some of the grommets when threading the string through, and when tying off, sometimes are in the way. But otherwise, the mounting is good.

I find the mounting system to be adequate. It holds the racquet nicely, and really isn't that big of a pain as people are making it sound.

My only beef with it would be the 4 arms that hold the racquet in place visually block some of the grommets when threading the string through, and when tying off, sometimes are in the way. But otherwise, the mounting is good.

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The longer bottom mounts do not actually have to go OVER the frame perpendicularly -- you can align them (somewhat) to the racquet, or go over the throat area. There's no structural support to these arms, don't be afraid to adjust them so they're out of the way. You don't even REALLY need to tighten these down very much, as long as there's no clearance for the frame to pop out, you're good

Edit: I should also note that a little replacement grip material (or overgrip with some double sided tape) allows for some added security on the mounts. The slight tackiness will prevent these from slipping around from the plastic/paint interface.